Hilo junior Joey Jarneski is the latest diamond gem out of coach Kaha Wong’s Big Island Baseball organization, also known as Hilo’s top player development factory. ADVERTISING Hilo junior Joey Jarneski is the latest diamond gem out of coach Kaha
Hilo junior Joey Jarneski is the latest diamond gem out of coach Kaha Wong’s Big Island Baseball organization, also known as Hilo’s top player development factory.
More than 75 of Wong’s students have signed college scholarships, and the list keeps growing. Jarneski is another addition with a verbal commitment to UH-Manoa.
“It’s good for UH and good for Hilo,” Wong said.
But unlike the others, Jarneski is really making his mark on the mound, where his greatest accomplishments have been manufactured.
Jarneski put himself on the map in 2014 at the PONY World Series for ages 13-14. He pitched a complete game in Hilo’s 5-3 win over Chinese Taipei for the championship in Pennsylvania.
He set a high bar of dominance during that summer postseason run. In four games, he went the distance each time and struck out 41 and walked just 19.
Last year in the BIIF Division I championship series, Jarneski polished off the sweep against Keaau with a two-hitter and 10 strikeouts in an 11-1 victory.
While the numbers suggest it looked easy, that was hardly the case. In the irst inning, the bases were loaded, and Jarneski walked in a run.
However, Jarneski has an old habit of pitching tough in championships. He struck out the next four Cougars and retired 16 of the last 17 hitters.
In the HHSAA state quarterfinals, Jarneski lost to Kamehameha-Kapalama 5-1. He threw 6 2/3 innings and gave up five runs on eight hits and two walks.
It was a rough introduction in his first start as Hilo’s ace at states, but in a way he also prospered and flashed his potential at Les Murakami Stadium, his future home.
Jarneski struck out five and stifled Kamehameha’s best hitter, Kekai Rios, who went 0 for 2 with a groundout and flyout. Rios is a freshman catcher with the Rainbow Warriors.
For his efforts, Jarneski received All-BIIF honorable mention last season. He saw spot action as a freshman, both pitching and hitting.
The Vikings finished the regular season 5-4 and entered the four-team BIIF playoffs as the No. 4 seed.
Hilo caught fire with its season on the line, relying on No. 2 pitcher Josiah Factora, and swept Waiakea and the Cougars for the BIIF title. The Viks eventually finished sixth at states.
To borrow a Deflategate term, it’s more probable than not that the Vikings will be much improved. After all, coach Tony De Sa credited his players, noting, “Everybody is a little stronger and bigger.”
That holds true for Jarneski, who’s 6 feet and weighs 185 pounds. He added 20 pounds and conditioned his body through weight lifting, running and Wong’s workout regimen.
Also last season, Jarneski battled an arm strain, but his work with pitching coach Gerry Meyer has refurbished his health.
Summer of fun
Jarneski spent the summer playing ball against high-level competition.
He was on Wong’s Big Island Baseball ballclub that competed in a California tournament. He was also on the Nate Trosky team with Viking teammates Micah Bello and Stone Miyao that played in an Arizona showcase.
The Viking junior’s biggest influences have been Wong and his dad Stacey Jarneski, the Hilo PONY manager.
“Coach Kaha always tells me to work hard and stay humble,” Jarneski said. “My dad says the same thing and have a positive attitude and how I carry myself is a big deal.”
UH deal
Jarneski attended the Rainbow camp in November in 2014 at Wong Stadium. It’s been a productive trip over to the Big Island for UH coach Mike Trapasso, who liked what he saw and offered the then-freshman a scholarship.
“It’s Division I baseball. It’s a chance for me to play at home, and my parents (Stacey and Ruth) get to watch me play,” said Jarneski, who also plays shortstop. “It’s a dream come true, and I’ll love to play for UH.”
He’s also got a pair of major league role-models in Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong.
“Carlos shows a good ability to hit, and he’s tall, too (6 feet 4). From what I’ve seen, he looks like a nice guy,” Jarneski said. “Kolten is an inspiration. He shows what hard work can do. That you can make it, even if you’re from the Big Island.”
Jarneski counted his Hilo PONY World Series experience as his greatest highlight with his verbal commitment to UH after his freshman season a close second.
Here’s the thing about the good-looking pitcher with the golden arm: Get Jarneski into a championship game, and his accomplishment list keeps growing.
